Foldable shield

ABSTRACT

A foldable shield transformable from an extended use position to a folded transport position and vice versa includes shield plates and spring loaded hinges connecting the shield plates. Restraint devices hold the shield to a user&#39;s forearm during use. A release device releases cooperating locks so that the hinge devices bring the shield plates from the transport position to the extended use position. The shield is brought to the transport position by folding of the first shield plate toward the second shield plate and folding of the third shield plate against the first shield plate. The first shield plate has a maximum width between the long sides that is less than corresponding widths of the other two shield plates for sufficient clearance for the folding of the third shield plate. When folded, the shield plates are located on top of each other in a substantially flat package.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a foldable shield that can be broughtfrom an extended use position to a folded transport position and viceversa. The shield is intended for use by people with work tasks wherethey need to protect themselves against various weapons, blows andthrown objects.

BACKGROUND

Police officers and members of similar professions often haveassignments where they may need a protective shield to protect themagainst various weapons, blows and thrown objects, for example inconnection with riots and the like, or when violent offenders are to bemonitored or arrested.

A shield for use by e.g. police officers is previously known from FR462049. The described shield comprises three shield plates of elongatedshape. The plates are made of suitable metal having suitable thicknessand properties, and is preferably covered with textile or similarmaterial. The middle plate is in its central part provided with ahandle, on which a small rocker arm is pivotally mounted. The rockerpasses through an opening in the center plate and is normally helduplifted by a leaf spring to function as a release mechanism for theunfolding of the shield. The plates of the shield are joined by springhinges, which are arranged on the opposite side of the handle. Thesprings of the hinges striving to hold the plates unfolded to form astrong, flat surface. If the unfolded shield is to be folded, the firstside plate is folded down against the center plate and then the otherside plate is folded down against the already folded in first sideplate. If a person carrying the folded shield wants to use it, it issufficient if he/she presses the proximal end of the rocker arm, causingthe side plates to fold out immediately under the influence of thesprings in the hinges. As described in FR 462049 the folded shieldoccupies no more space than the surface of the center plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,495 discloses a foldable full-body shield. In oneembodiment, the disclosed shield has a rectangular upper panel part anda lower panel part which are both made of bullet-proof, flexiblematerial. Each of the panel parts are framed by rigid frames, which arepivotally joined to each other by a hinge between them. The foldableshield has three handles mounted directly on the top panel portion thatthe user can use to hold the shield when it is unfolded and additionallya separate carrying handle to make it possible to use the shield when itis folded.

There arc high demands on a shield of the current type, because itshould be able to protect the user against several different types ofpossible attacks, such as blows with or without weapons, knife wounds,bullets from handguns and/or thrown objects. The shield plates of theshield should be close together and able to provide the user with bothimpact and puncture protection, and preferably also a ballisticprotection. Even though such shield plates are made of very strongmaterials the risk that a shield plate is damaged by e.g. a blow or ashot during use is quite large and the shield plates should therefore beeasily replaceable to prevent the undamaged parts of the shield formbeing replaced unnecessarily. If the shield is needed in an emergency,it must be folded out immediately and reliably when the user activates atrigger device, which should be located within reach of the user whenwearing the shield. The unfolding of the shield should not be able tohappen accidentally, as this can lead to problems and in the worst caseto accidents or injuries if the shield is, for example, accidentallyunfolded in a confined space such as inside a police car. It should alsobe possible to fold the shield should into a folded transport positionas quickly as possible, to not expend unnecessary time when the taskrequires the user to move to another location, either on foot or in avehicle. It is important that the shield takes up as little space aspossible in the folded transport position, both to make the foldedshield more manageable to carry around for the user when traveling andto enable that a greater number of shields can be stored in a storagespace and/or transported in a police car or other vehicle. It is alsoimportant that the folded shield shows no protruding edges or similarthat can get caught in another shield during storage or transportation,or in other objects when the user is carrying the shield in the foldedtransport position. It is also important that the shield is smooth andlight and not perceived as provocative by other people when carried bythe user in the transport position, i.e. that the shield can be carriedin such a way and has such an appearance in the folded transportposition that it is not too conspicuous or perceived as a weapon, whichcould provoke aggression or anger unnecessarily. The previously knownshields do not appear to meet these requirements and therefore there isa clear need for an improved foldable shield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is therefore to provide afoldable shield with a shape that ensures that the shield can be madesmooth and easy to carry for the user and is made to occupy a smallspace in the folded transport position, and that makes the folded shieldnon-provocative to others and additionally handy to bring during traveland transport.

This first object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim 1,which can be brought from an extended use position to a folded transportposition and vice versa, and comprising a first, a second and a thirdshield plate, each of which has an elongated shape and an inside, anouter surface, a first long side, a second side edge, a first short sideand second short side, wherein the shield further comprises a firstspring loaded hinge arrangement interconnecting the first shield plate'ssecond long side with the second shield plate's first long side, asecond spring loaded hinge mechanism which connects the second shieldplate's second long side with the third shield plate's first long side,wherein said hinge assemblies are arranged so that the shield can bebrought from the use position to the folded transport position byfolding the first shield plate with its outside surface against theoutside surface of the second shield plate and by subsequently foldingthe third shield plate with its outside surface against the insidesurface of the already folded first shield plate, retaining deviceswhich are arranged on the inside of the second shield plate for holdingthe shield by a user's forearm during use, a release device placedwithin reach of the user from said holding means and adapted, whenactuated by the user, to release first and second cooperating lockingmeans of the shield that are adapted to keep the shield plates foldedagainst each other in the transport position, against spring force fromsaid hinge assemblies, wherein said spring force upon release of thelocking means brings the shield plates from the transport position tothe unfolded use position, wherein the first shield plate is designedwith a maximum width between its long sides that is smaller than thecorresponding width of the second and of the third shield plate,respectively, so that a sufficient clearance for folding the thirdshield plate against the first shield plate is provided so as to allowthe shield plates to be brought to rest on top of each other in the formof a substantially flat package in the transport position.

Thanks to the first shield plate of the shield according to theinvention being designed with a maximum width between its long sidesthat is less than the corresponding width of the second and of the thirdshield plate so that a sufficient clearance for the folding of the thirdshield plate to the first shield plate is provided to allow the shieldplates to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flatpackage in the transport position, the folded shield becomes smaller andalso more manageable to carry for the user during transportation, and alamer number of shields may be carried in the luggage space of e.g. apolice car than what would he the case with shields according to theprior art, where shield plates tend to lie on top of each other innon-parallel planes after folding, By having the shield plates of theshield being able to be made to form a substantially flat package with asmall size in the transport position the folded shield becomes smoothand easy to carry discreetly along the forearm of the user, which meansthat other people will experience the shield as a natural,non-provocative part of the user's forearm, work clothes or normalworking equipment.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a foldable shieldwith a dimensioning of the shield plates which ensures that the shieldplates can be brought into a very compact and fiat “packet form” in thefolded transport position, in which the three folded shield plates arelocated in substantially parallel planes on top of each other and whereno edge of any of the shield plates protrude beyond the outer contoursof the flat pack form.

This second object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim2, wherein the first shield plate has a maximum width between its longsides which is at most 90% of the corresponding width of the second andof the third shield plate. By dimensioning the first shield plate insuch a way in relation to the other two shield plates it is ensured thatthe shield can be made as compact as possible in the folded transportposition and the risk of the protruding edges of any of the foldedshield plates getting caught on other items when the shield istransported in a vehicle or carried by the user in the folded transportposition is eliminated.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a foldable shieldwhere the shield plates are easily replaceable if they happen to bedamaged during use.

This third object is achieved by a foldable shield according to claim 6,further comprising frame members in which the respective shield platescan be inserted and fixed, said spring loaded hinge assemblies connectthe shield plates through said frame member. Thanks to such a design itis possible to easily replace one or more damaged shield plates andavoid that the undamaged parts of the shield must be replacedunnecessarily.

Other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the featureswhich allow it to achieve these aims and advantages, will becomeapparent in the following description with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in a number of different embodimentswith reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shieldaccording to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield isshown in an extended use position,

FIG. 1B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shieldaccording to FIG. 1A,

FIG. 1C is a side view of the shield according to FIG. 1A,

FIG. 1D is a plan view of the inside of the shield according to FIG. 1A,

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shieldaccording to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield isshown in an extended use position,

FIG. 2B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shieldaccording to FIG. 2A,

FIG. 2C is a side view of the shield according to FIG. 2A,

FIG. 2D is a plan view of the inside of the shield according to FIG. 2A,

FIG. 2E is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to FIG.2A,

FIG. 2F is a perspective view showing the shield according to the secondembodiment in a partially folded position,

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield withframe members according to a third embodiment of the invention, whereinthe shield is shown in an extended position before any shield plateshave been incorporated in the frame members,

FIG. 3B is a bottom side view of the shield without the shield platesaccording to FIG. 3A,

FIG. 3C is a side view of the shield without the shield plates accordingto FIG. 3A,

FIG. 3D is a plan view of the inside of the shield without the shieldplates according to FIG. 3A,

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield withframe members according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, whereinthe shield is shown in an extended position before any shield plates areincorporated in the frame members,

FIG. 4B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shieldwithout the shield plates according to FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4C is a side view of the shield without the shield plates accordingto FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4D is a plan view of the inside of the shield without the shieldplates according to FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4E is a plan view of the exterior of the shield with shield platesaccording to FIG. 4A,

FIG. 4F is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to thefourth embodiment after three shield plates have been inserted into andfixed to the respective frame members,

FIG. 4G is a perspective view showing the shield of the fourthembodiment, but in a partially extended position,

FIG. 5A is a plan view of the inside of a foldable shield according to aparticularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein theshield is shown in an extended use position,

FIG. 5B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the shieldaccording to FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5C is a side view of the shield according to FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5D is a plan view of the outside of the shield according to FIG.5A,

FIG. 5E is a plan view of a first coupling part belonging to a rotaryplate of the shield FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5F is a plan view of a second coupling pan, intended to cooperatewith the first coupling part of FIG. 5E using the rotary plate of theshield according to FIG. 5A,

FIG. 5G is a side view illustrating how the coupling members of FIGS. 5Eand 5F interact when the turntable is mounted between a second shieldplate and a bottom plate for the holding means of the shield accordingto FIG. 5A,

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a foldable shield according to theinvention in an embodiment where the hinge assemblies have been providedwith a particularly advantageous embodiment, wherein the shield is shownin an extended use position,

FIG. 6B is a view seen in the direction of the bottom of the extendedshield of FIG. 6A illustrating that each joint gap formed betweenadjacent long sides of the two shield plates, which are connected by arespective hinge assembly extends perpendicularly between the outsideand the inside of the shield in this embodiment,

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6B, but of an alternativeembodiment of the shield where each joint gap extends obliquely inwardlyfrom its hinge joint on the outside of the shell to the inside of theshield instead,

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, but of an alternativeembodiment of the shield where each joint gap extends obliquely outwardsfrom its hinge joint on the outside of the shell to the inside of theshield instead.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8, but of an alternativeembodiment of the shield where each joint gap extends inwards in astep-like manner from its hinge joint on the outside of the shield tothe inside of the shield instead,

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9, but of an alternativeembodiment of the shield where each joint gap extends outwards in astep-like manner from its hinge joint on the outside of the shield tothe inside of the shield instead,

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a folded shield according to analternative embodiment where both hinge assemblies comprise first andsecond hinges which are integrated parts of adjacent long sides of theshield plates which the hinge assemblies hold attached to each other,

FIG. 11B is a cropped detail view of the second shield plate showing twofirst hinges protruding from a long side edge provided with a chamfer,and

FIG. 11C is a cropped detail of the second the shield plate showing twoother hinges protruding from another long side edge provided with achamfer.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following a number of embodiments of the invention will bedescribed in more detail with reference to Figures IA to I IC of theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the inside of a foldable shield 100according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the shield isshown in an extended use position. The shield 100 can be brought from anunfolded use position, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, to a folded transportposition (not shown) and vice versa.

The shield according to the invention includes a first 101, a second 102and a third 103 shield plate, each of which has an elongated shape andan inner surface, an outer surface, a first long side, a second sideedge, a first short side and second short side.

The shield 100 according to the invention further comprises a firstspring loaded hinge mechanism 104 that connects the first shield plate'ssecond long side 101 _(LS2) with the second shield plate's first longside 102 _(LS1), and a second spring loaded hinge mechanism 105 thatconnects the second shield plate's second long side 102 _(LS2) with thethird shield plate's first long side 103 _(LS1).

Various types of spring loaded hinge means, so called spring hinges, arepreviously known and available on the market. The spring loaded hingedevices 104, 105 of the shield 100 according to the invention may hencebe composed of pivotally interconnected metal profiles with coil springsproviding a spring force that is large enough to unfold the shieldplates and hold them in the extended position during use, but notgreater than that a single person can fold up the shield again. It isparticularly advantageous that each of the spring loaded hinge devices104, 105 have at least two cooperating springs to achieve a sufficientlyrapid unfolding of the shield. By using at least two suitably arrangedspring means in each hinge device it is also possible to provide afunction of the shield where the shield plates can be folded out to anonly partially extended position, but where the shield plates stillprovide a resilient resistance to impact and shock from the shield'soutside, which can be an advantage if the shield is used by a person ina lying position.

The shield 100 according to the invention further includes restraintdevices 106, 106′, 106″ which are provided on the second shield plate'sinside 102 _(IN) for holding of the shield on one forearm of a userduring use.

The shield 100 according to the invention also comprises a triggeringdevice 107 positioned within reach of the user from said holding devices106, 106′, 106″ and arranged to upon activation by the user release thefirst 108 and second 109 cooperating locking means of the shield, whichare arranged to, against the spring force of the hinge devices 104, 105,hold the shield plates folded against each other in the transportposition. After release of the locking means 108, 109 the spring forceof the spring hinges brings the shield plates from the transportposition to the extended use position.

In the foldable shield 100 according to the invention, the hinge devices104, 105 are arranged so that the shield can be moved from the useposition to the folded transport position by folding A (see FIG. 1A) ofthe first shield plate 101 with its outside 101 _(UT) against theoutside 102 _(UT) of the second shield plate 102 and by subsequentfolding B (see FIG. 1A) of the third shield plate 103 with its outersurface 103 _(UT) towards the inside 101 _(N) of the already foldedfirst shield plate 101, whereby the first shield plate is formed with amaximum width 101 _(MAXBR) (see FIG. 1A) between its long sides that isless than the corresponding width of the second 102 _(MAXBR) (see FIG.1A) and of the third 103 _(MAXBR) (see FIG. 1A) shield plate so that asufficient clearance for the inset B of the third shield plate 103 tothe first shield plate 101 is provided to allow the shield plates 101,102, 103 to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flatpackage in the transport position. Thanks to the first shield plate 101being formed with a maximum width between its long sides that is lessthan the corresponding width of the second 102 and of the third 103shield plate, the first folded (A) first shield plate 101 constitutes noobstacle for the subsequent folding (B) of the third shield plate 103,so that the third shield plate 103 can be brought into lyingsubstantially flat against the already folded first shield plate 101.Such dimensioning of the width of the first shield plate 101 relative tothe width of the other two shield plates 102, 103, allows the shieldplates to lie on top of each other in the form of a substantially flatpackage in the folded transport position, making the folded shield moremanageable to carry around for the user during transportation, and alarger number of shields than what would otherwise be the case can betransported in a luggage compartment of e.g. a police car.

The first shield plate 101 of the shield 100 according to the inventionpreferably has a maximum width 101 _(MAXBR) between its long sides whichis at most 90% of the width of the second 102 _(MAXBR) and of the third103 _(MAXBR) shield plate. The first shield plate may for example have amaximum width 101 _(MAXBR) between its long sides that is approximately85% of the corresponding width of the second 102 _(MAXBR) and of thethird 103 _(MAXBR) shield plate. Such dimensioning of the shield plates101, 102, 103 ensures that the shield plates can be folded into a verycompact and fiat “packaged form” where the shield plates are located insubstantially parallel planes on top of each other and no edge of any ofthe shield plates protrude beyond the outer contours of the flat packform when the shield is in the folded transport position.

In several advantageous embodiments of the invention, particularlyillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4F, the shield 300, 400 also comprisesframe elements 310, 311, 312, 410, 411, 412, in which the respectiveshield plates 401, 402, 403 can be inserted and fixed, wherein thespring loaded hinge devices 304, 305, 404, 405 connect the shield platesthrough the frame elements. The frame elements in the embodiments shownin FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4F are profile elements of steel, with predrilledholes for fixing the shield plates with screws. In the context of theinvention, it is also possible to use profile elements of othermaterials and with different configuration than what is shown in theFigures. Thanks to the provision of such frame elements, it becomespossible to easily replace one or more damaged shield plates and avoidthat undamaged parts of the shield must be replaced unnecessarily.

In other advantageous embodiments of the foldable shield 100, 300according to the invention, the first shield plate 101 (see FIGS. 1A-1D)and/or the first shield plate's frame member 310 (see FIGS. 3A-3D)comprises at least one through hole 113, 313 or a recess to allow theimplementation of a projecting end portion 109, 309 of one of saidlocking means provided on the second or third shield plate 103 or on thesecond or third shield plate frame member 312.

In other advantageous embodiments of the foldable shield 200, 400according to the invention (see FIGS. 2A-2F, 4A-4G, and 5A-5G), thethird shield plate 203, 403, 503 and/or the third shield plate's frameelement comprises at least one through hole 214, 414, 514 or a recess toallow physical and/or magnetic contact between said cooperating lockingmeans 208, 209, 408, 409, 508, 509 of the shield.

By, like in the embodiments described above, provide at least onethrough hole or a recess in one of the shield plates or in one of theshield plates' frame members, only two cooperating locking means forretaining the shield in the folded transport position are needed in mostcases, since a first locking member which is arranged on a shield plateor a frame member can pass through the hole or recess of an adjacentshield plate or an adjacent frame member to engage on the other sidewith a second locking means arranged on/in/at another shield plate oranother frame member.

The cooperating locking means of the foldable shield according to theinvention most preferably contain a female member 108, 208, 308, 408,508 in or on one of the shield plates 102, 203, 403, 503 or in or on oneof the frame elements 311, which female member is provided for receivingand releasable locking of a male member 109, 209, 309, 409, 509 onanother one of the shield plates 103, 201, 501 or at another one atticframe members 312, 410.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooperatinglocking means comprise magnet means 108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309, 408,409, 508, 509. By providing magnetically acting locking means it willbecome easier to find the right position for the locking means when theshield is to be locked in the folded position. Any for the purposesuitable type of known magnetic means may be used in the shield of theinvention.

In a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the shield's 100,300 trigger device comprises a release button 107, 307, which isarranged to during the operation of the user release the first andsecond locking means 108, 109, 308, 309 from each other to bring theshield plates to the extended use position. In the embodiment shown inthe figures of this embodiment, the user can, with the thumb of the handholding the handle 106, 306, press the release button 107, 307 to theside when the shield is folded, thus releasing a male member on thethird shield plate 103 or on the third frame member 312 in the form of amagnet screw whose head end 109, 309 is locked in a female member in theform of a hole 108, 308 in the second shield plate 102 or in the secondframe member 311 adjacent to the release button 107, 307 so that headend of the magnet screw 109, 309 is released from the retention hole108, 308 next to the release button 107, 307 and the spring force of thespring hinges 104, 105, 304, 305 may bring the shield plates 101, 103 orthe frame members 310, 312 with inserted shield plates to the extendeduse position. It should be understood that within the scope of theinvention it is also possible with other designs and constructions wherethe trip device of the shield includes a release button different fromthat described above and shown in the Figures.

In a second alternative embodiment of the invention, the shield's 200,400, 500 trigger device comprises a release strap 207, 407, 507, whichis arranged to during the operation of the user release said first andsecond locking means 208, 209, 408, 409, 508, 509 from each other tobring the shield plates to the extended use position. In the embodimentshown in the figures of this embodiment, the user may have an end eye ofthe releasing belt 207, 407, 507 around the thumb of the hand holdingthe handle 206, 406, 506 and pull the release strap 207, 407, 507 downwith the thumb to open a female member in the form of a spring loadedclamp 208, 408, 509 which is integrated in the trigger belt 207, 407,507 adjacent to the third shield plate 203, 403, 503 to thereby releasea male member on the first shield plate 201, 501 or the first framemember 410 in the form of a magnetic angle iron whose protruding end209, 409, 509 is locked in the spring loaded clamp 208, 408, 508, sothat the spring three of the spring hinges 204, 205, 404, 405, 504, 505may bring the shield plates 201, 203, 501, 503 or frame elements 410,412 with inserted shield plates for the extended use position. It shouldhe understood that within the scope of the invention it is also possiblewith other designs and constructions where the trigger device of theshield includes a different release strap than described above and shownin the Figures.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foldable shield 300, 400according to the invention also comprises at least one locking device315, 416, which is arranged to prevent release of said cooperatinglocking means 308, 309, 408, 409, and unfolding of the shield platesuntil the user disables the interlock device. By providing such alocking device of the shield according to the invention, the risk ofaccidental unfolding of the shield and thus the potential for problems,accidents or damage that could be caused by an inadvertent unfolding isminimized.

In an advantageous embodiment of the shield of the invention the ratchetcomprises one or more screws 315 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) arranged to bedisabled by the user by unscrewing. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.3B-3C, the ratchet 315 is integrated in the locking screw 309. When theshield 300 is in the folded position (not shown in the figures) thelocking screw head 309 will protrude slightly from the through hole 308of the second frame member 311 and partially overlie the release button307. If the user in this position tightens the locking screw bolts 309the release button 307 will be fixed in its locking position by theclamping force from the underside of the screw head so that the releasebutton 307 cannot be moved aside unintentionally during movement ortransportation. When the user intends to use the shield the ratchet 315is disabled by unscrewing the locking screw 309 sufficiently for therelease button 307 to again be able to move freely and enable rapidprecipitation of the shield 300 when necessary.

In another advantageous embodiment of the shield 400 of the inventionthe ratchet comprises one or more snap locks 416 arranged to be disabledby the user by unsnapping. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4G, eachindicated snap lock consists of first pressure switch means 416, whichare fixed on suitable positions on the release strap 407 and arranged tocooperate with second push button means (not shown), fixed inappropriate places on the shield's shield plates or frame elements. Thefirst 416 and second button means are placed so that they come in pairsopposite each other when the shield is in the folded transport positionand hence can be pressed or snapped together with each other to lock thetrigger belt at suitable locations on the outside of the folded shieldand thereby prevent that an accidental pulling of the release strap 407leads to an unwanted release of the male member 409 of the first framemember 410 from its locking in the female member 408 which is integratedin the release strap 407, thereby causing an accidental unfolding of theframe elements 410, 412 and the shield plates of the shield. When theuser intends to use the shield the interlock device is deactivated 416by the user snapping up the required snap locks 416 so that the releasestrap 407 will again be free to move in its longitudinal direction.After the user has deactivated the ratchet 416 in this way it issufficient with a relatively light pulling of the end loop 407 of therelease strap to release the female member's 408 locking of the malemember 409 and make the spring force of the spring hinges 404, 405 toimmediately bring the frame members 410, 412 with the shield plates 401,403 to the extended use position.

In a preferred embodiment of the shield according to the invention, therestraints for securing the shield to the user's forearm are fixed tothe inside 102 _(IN), 202 _(IN) of the second shield plate or to theinside of the second shield plate's frame member 311 _(IN), 411 _(IN),wherein the restraint system includes a handle 106, 206, 306, 406, whichis arranged to be gripped by one hand of the user and at least one strapmeans 106′, 106″, 206′, 206″, 306′, 306″, 406′, 406″ which is arrangedto enclose the user's forearm when the user carries the shield. In theembodiments shown in the drawings, the handle and the two strap meansattached to a common base plate 118, 218, 318, 418, which in turn isattached to the inside of the second shield plate 102, 202 or the secondframe member 311, 411. A great advantage of this embodiment is that theuser thanks to the strap means 106′, 106″, 206′, 206″, 306′, 306″, 406′,406″ can carry the folded shield strapped to one forearm and ready foruse, and if necessary, let the grip of the hand on the handle 106, 206,306, 406 go to get both hands free for other tasks. The strap means ormembers can consist of strips of any for the purpose suitable flexibleand elastic material, but consists most preferably of a durable andflexible textile material, a nonwoven material, or a material such asneoprene or the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the shield 200 according tothe invention (see FIGS. 2A-2F and 5A-5C) the above mentioned handle206, 506 and strap means 206′, 206″, 506′, 506″ are fixed to the secondshield plate's inside 202 _(IN), 502 _(IN), or the inside of the secondshield plate frame elements via intermediate spacers 217, 517 that aredesigned to provide a gap of at least 1 centimeter between the secondshield plate's inside 202 _(IN), 502 _(IN) and the user's hand andforearm when the user wears the shield. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2A-2F the spacers consist of six rubber bushings 217 whose one endis glued to the underside of the retaining bodies common base plate 218at positions under the handle 206 and the two strap means 206′, 206″,and whose second end is glued to the other shield plate's inside 202_(IN). In the context of the invention, it is possible to use any kindsof suitable spacers as long as they can provide the desired spacing ofat least 1 centimeter between the second shield plate's inside 202 _(IN)and the user's hand and forearm when the user wears the shield. Such aspacing has been found to be very beneficial to better protect theuser's hand and forearm from shock impact from e.g. bullets and otherprojectiles, since the force of a bullet that hits the outside 200 _(UT)of the shield cannot cause any local and immediate shock action againstthe user's hand or forearm, but will first in part be absorbed by theshield plate 202 and the rubber bushings 217 and then distributed over alarger area through the bottom plate 218 before the remaining, nowgreatly reduced power is finally transferred simultaneously to both handand forearm of the user through the handle 206 and the two strap means206′, 206″.

In another particularly preferred embodiment of the shield according tothe invention, illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G, the handles 506 and the strapmeans 506′, 506″ are fixed to the second shield plate's inside 502_(IN), or the inside of the second shield plate's frame members via atleast one intermediate rotary device 519 which is arranged so that saidhandle and strap means 506, 506′, 506″ may be rotated together around anaxis substantially perpendicular to the second shield plate inside 502_(IN), to a user-desired rotational position. Thanks to such a design ofthe shield 500, it becomes possible for the user to turn the protectiveshield plates 501, 502, 503 of the unfolded shield to differentrotational positions relative to the handle and the strap means 506,506′, 506″. This can be a great advantage if the user carrying theunfolded shield on one forearm needs to use a rifle, a machine gun oranother weapon that requires a large space and the use of both hands fortwo-handed control of the weapon, as the user of the shield in such acase can turn the shield plates to an optimal position relative to thestrap means (and the handle) to create sufficient free space for thehandling of the two-handed weapon, without having to take off his shieldand lose all the protective effect of the unfolded shield plates. Suchpivotal mounting of the handle and the strap means relative to theshield plates may also be advantageous when the user is lying down, oris near a wall, car or another protective object, since the usercarrying the shield on the arm in such a case can turn the shield platesin an optimal position to get a better view or more room to fire a shotwhile retaining as much as possible of the protective effect of theunfolded shield plates.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the handle 506 and the strapmeans 506′, 506″ are mounted on a top side of a single base plate 518and the intermediate turning device comprises a turntable 519, which isattached between an underside of the bottom plate 518 and the secondshield plate's inside 502 _(IN). in the illustrated embodiment, thepivot plate 519 is secured between the bottom plate 518 and secondshield plate's inside 502 _(IN) using a screw and nut joints 525, butthe attachment of the turning plate 519 can also be achieved with anyother type of suitable connection.

In another advantageous embodiment, the turntable 519 comprises a firstcoupling part 520 which is rotatably coupled to a second coupling part521, the coupling parts 520, 521 are arranged to slide relative to eachother, for example by means of suitable low friction material, uponrotation of said handle and strap means 506, 506′, 506″ and the couplingparts 520, 521 further comprising mutually cooperating locking means522, 523 which are arranged to permit the coupling parts 520, 521 to belocked to each other at the desired rotational position so that saidhandle and strap means 506, 506′, 506″ are retained in the user-desiredrotational position during use of the shield 500.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first coupling part 520comprises at least one locking means in the form of a spring loaded,preferably rotatable ball 522, while the second coupling part 521 isprovided with a plurality of, along a ring shape disposed, notches 523or holes which predefine a plurality of possible torsional and lockingpositions fix the rotary plate 519. The spring loaded ball or balls 522is/are arranged to be pressed by the spring force in part in one or moreof said recesses 523 or holes when the turntable 519 is rotated to anyone of said predefined possible twisting and locking positions so thatthe turntable 519 is locked against unintentional rotation and handleand the strap means 506, 506′, 506″ are held in the user-desired pivotposition during the use of the shield 500. Thanks to the provision oflocking means as described above, or other locking bodies with a similarfunction, the user can rotate the handle and the strap means todifferent incremental rotary and locking positions or “notches” inrelation to the second shield plate, making the shield easy to use.

In another advantageous embodiment, the first coupling part 520 iscoupled with the second coupling part 521 with a screw/nut joint 525,which after tightening has a small clearance in the screw lengthdirection (not shown the figures), a spring means (not shown in thefigures) is arranged in the screw/nut joint 525 to take tip saidclearance when the coupling parts 520, 521 are locked relative to eachother and to allow the user to release the locking of the turning plate519 by pressing said spring members of the screw/nut joint 525, so thatthe gap between the coupling parts 520, 521 becomes larger and thelocking means 522, 523 are released from each other so that theturntable 519 and said handle and strap means 506, 506′, 506″ can bebrought into another desired rotational position of the user. Byproviding the locking members 522, 523 as described above, or otherdevices with similar function, the user can thus turn the handle and thestrap means to different incremental rotary and locking positions or“notches” in relation to the other shield plate. The provision of ascrew/nut joint with a small clearance and a suitably matched springmeans can, together with the shield plates' intrinsic weight/inertia,provide a function of the pivot plate 519 that enables the user to, bypulling the handle 506 and/or the strap means 506′, 506″ towardsthemselves and quickly changing the angle of the forearm in relation tothe shield plates, cause the locking means 522, 523 to both be releasedfrom one another and slide to a new rotational position and lockautomatically in this new position by the spring action of the springloaded ball or balls. In such an embodiment, the user can by repeatingsuch twitches and changes of the angle of the forearm gradually bringthe handle and the strap means to the angular position that is optimalfor the current situation. It should be understood that the shieldaccording to the invention in other embodiments may include othersuitable devices and arrangements which provide similar features andadvantages as the above described turntable.

In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the shield 200according to the invention (see FIGS. 2A-2E), each of the spring loadedhinge assemblies 204, 205 are arranged such that it, seen from theoutside 200 _(UT) of the shield 200 in the extended use position,substantially fully and completely covers the gap between the long sidesof the shield plates 201, 202 and 202, 203 or the frame elements withinserted shield plates that the hinge device (204 and 205)interconnects. The hinge assemblies 204, 205 in such an embodiment areadvantageously, but not necessarily made of steel and preferably have athickness of at least 2 mm in the area where they cover the gap betweenthe shield plates. Such a design of the hinge devices 204, 205 reducesthe risk of bullets and other projectiles penetrating into some of theinterstices between the shield plates.

The shield plates may consist of different materials depending on theintended use of the shield according to the invention. During certainmissions, for example in connection with sporting events and the like,it is a minimum requirement that the shield has good impact and stickresistance and at the same time a relatively low weight, since the usermay need to carry the shield ready for use for a long time, up toseveral hours. The shield plates of a shield for such use may consist ofan impact resistant transparent plastics material such as polycarbonate,preferably with a thickness of about 4 mm, but the thickness may varydepending on the type of mission.

During other types of missions it is very likely that the user of theshield according to the invention also needs protection against bulletsand other projectiles. An example of such missions is when members of atask force are going to capture and incapacitate a suspect armedcriminal. The shield plates of a shield for such use must therefore alsobe bulletproof, i.e. be reinforced with a suitable ballistic material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the shield plates of thefoldable shield consists of at least one punch and stick protectivematerial reinforced with at least one ballistic material. The impact andstick protective material can advantageously be polycarbonate sheetswith a thickness selected with regard to the protection requirements andthe maximum weight of the shield that is acceptable for the intendedtype of mission. The ballistic material can be a shot constrictingfabric, e.g. consisting of any of the materials with the brands Kevlar,Dyneema or Spectra, which has been glued or laminated together with thepunch and stick protective material to form the shield plates. Withinthe scope of the invention, it is however possible to use any knownmaterials and material combinations for the shield plates to achieve theprotective effect required for the intended use of the shield. Theshield plates of the shield according to the invention would thus alsohe able to include shield plates that arc not composed of polycarbonate,or include bulletproof material that does not contain material with thebrands Kevlar, Dyneema or Spectra, or include sheet metal or plasticsreinforced with wire, fiber, thread, particles or engineered textiles,multilayer materials, laminate materials, pre-preg based materials ofsuitable composition or sandwich panels, or various combinations orcomposites made from such materials.

The various embodiments described above have advantageously a maximumthickness of the plates/frame elements of no more than about 18-20 mm,so that the shield may he folded to a flat package. Where a shield witha larger thickness is desired, it is advantageous to on the third shieldplate/shield plate's frame member's first long side build up the shieldplate/shield plate's frame member under the hinge mechanism so thatunder the hinge device, a shape of the spacing of the order of a fewmillimeters, typically 2-8 mm is created. The distance means that whenthe third shield plate is to be folded over the first shield plate aspace is created between the first shield plate's inside and the outsideof the third shield plate which allows the shield to be folded into aflat pack despite the thicker plates. The distance may be a separatepart arranged under the hinge mechanism, alternatively the distance canform an integral part of the shield plate/shield plate's frame elements.

The present invention has in the above been described by means of anumber of different embodiments and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. It must however he understood that the invention is notlimited to the described embodiments and to what is shown in thedrawings, but that one can also imagine other embodiments within thescope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. An alternativeway to achieve a substantially flat package in the folded transportposition is to provide the respective hinge devices with a suitabledimensioning. This is to be understood as that the hinge devices of theshield can be fixed and dimensioned in different ways in differentembodiments of the invention. In embodiments where the shield plates arerelatively thin and flexible, the first and second hinge means can besubstantially identical and in the folded state have equal “thickness”or “height” in the folded shield plates' total thickness direction,since the shield plates' thinness and flexibility still allow them to bebent and caused to lie on top of each other in the form of asubstantially flat package and be locked in this form in the foldedtransport position. In embodiments where the shield plates have a highthickness and/or stiffness or are attached via rigid frame members orthe like, it will be realized that the width of the first shield platecan he adjusted in relation to the thickness of the frame member so thatthe width is reduced if the thickness of the frame member, i.e., thewidth of the first shield plate may need to be less than the above widthof 85% in the example above. For example, the width of the first shieldplate may he at most 80% or down to at most 50%. Also, the respectivehinge devices may preferably be sized differently, so that the firsthinge means between the first and second shield plate in foldedcondition have a smaller “thickness” or “height” in the folded shieldplates' total thickness direction than the corresponding “thickness” or“height” of the folded second hinge device between the second and thethird shield plate, so that the relatively thick, rigid and/or in therigid frame member attached shield plates still can be brought to lie ontop of each other in the form of a substantially flat package and belocked in this form in the folded transport position. For example, theedges, in particular on the first shield plate or the first shieldplate's frame member could be chamfered to create more space for thethird shield plate to be folded on to form a flat package. Workers willrecognize that through a combination of the above mentioned alternativeembodiments, adjustments of the shield can be made within the scope ofthe invention.

In an advantageous embodiment of the foldable shield 600, 700, 800, 900,1000, illustrated in FIGS. 6A-10, the spring-loaded hinge assembliesthus includes a respective hinge joint, wherein the hinge joint of thefirst spring-loaded hinge assembly 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004 has an outerdiameter which is smaller than the corresponding outer diameter of thehinge joint of the second spring-loaded hinge assembly 605, 705, 805,905, 1005. Such a design also enables the relatively thick, stiff and/orrigid shield plates, with any frame members, can be brought to lie ontop of each other in the form of a substantially flat package and lockedin this form in the folded transport position.

In another advantageous embodiment of the shield 600 of the invention,illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each of the spring loaded hingeassemblies 604, 605 includes a pair of first and second fastening platespivotably held together by a respective hinge joint. The first fasteningplate of the second hinge assembly 605 is fixed to the second shieldplate 602 while its second fastening plate is fixed to the third shieldplate 603, wherein the first fastening plate of the second hingeassembly 605 has a recess adapted to the outer contour of the firstshield plate 601 to allow the fitting of at least a portion of the outercontour of the first shield plate 601 in the recess in the firstfastening plate of the second hinge assembly 605 when folding of thefirst shield plate 601 with its outside 601 _(UT) against the outside ofthe second the shield plate 602. Also the second fastening plate of thesecond hinge assembly 605 has a recess adapted to the outer contour ofthe first shield plate 601 to allow the fitting of at least a portion ofthe outer contour of the first shield plate 601 in the recess in thesecond fastening plate of the hinge assembly 605 at subsequent foldingof the third shield plate 603 with its outside against the inside 601_(IN) of the already folded first shield plate 601. Thanks to such adesign one can avoid that surface mounted fastening plates of the hingeassemblies contributes to the total thickness of the shield in thefolded transport position, so that the folded. shield can he as thin aspossible in the transport position.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 6A-10, thatthe shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gapsformed between adjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected bythe first 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004 and the second hinge assembly 605,705, 805, 905, 1005, respectively, wherein the two spring-loaded hingeassemblies 604, 605, 704, 705, 804, 805, 904, 905, 1004, 1005 cover theopenings of the two joint gaps 626, 627, 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927,1026, 1027 on the outside surface 601 _(UT), 701 _(UT), 801 _(UT), 901_(UT), 1001 _(UT) of the shield. By such a design of the hingeassemblies a protection against penetration by projectiles or sharpobjects in the hinge gaps is obtained when the shield is used. Toprotect the user even better, the shield can also, as is shownparticularly clearly in FIGS. 6A-10, preferably comprise a protectiveplate 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, mounted on the inside surface of theshield, which covers the openings of the two joint gaps 626, 627, 726,727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027 on the inside surface 601 _(IN), 701_(IN), 801 _(IN), 901 _(IN), 1001 _(IN) of the shield. Such a protectiveplate of suitable material may minimize the risk that a projectile or asharp object, which nevertheless penetrates through a joint gap, reachesand damages the user when using the shield.

In an advantageous alternative embodiment of the foldable shield 700,800, 900, 1000, illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the spring-loaded hingeassemblies includes a respective hinge joint, wherein the shield, whenin the unfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed betweenadjacent long sides of the two shield plates connected by the first 704,804, 904, 1004 and the second hinge assembly 705, 805, 905, 1005,respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric shapesuch that each joint gap 726, 727, 826, 827, 926, 927, 1026, 1027extends from an opening directly under its respective hinge joint on theoutside surface 701 _(UT), 801 _(UT), 1001 _(UT) of the shield to asecond opening, displaced laterally relative to the hinge joint, on theinside surface 701 _(IN), 801 _(IN), 901 _(IN), 1001 _(IN) of theshield. Thanks to such a design, the extended shield may provide betterprotection against such particularly dangerous projectiles or sharpobjects that hit the outside of the shield perpendicularly oressentially perpendicularly against the plane of the shield than whatwould be the ease if the joint gaps run perpendicularly against theplane of the shield.

Such an advantageous displacement of the openings of the joint gaps onthe outside and the outside of the shield respectively can be obtainedin various ways, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, whereinthe adjacent long sides have a geometric shape such that at least one ofthe joint gaps 726, 727, 826, 827 extends obliquely inwards or outwardsfrom its hinge joint on the outside surface 701 _(UT), 801 _(UT) of theshield to the inside surface 701 _(IN), 801 _(IN) of the shield.

In another particularly advantageous embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 9and 10, the spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respectivehinge joint, wherein the shield, when in the unfolded use position,exhibits joint gaps formed between adjacent long sides of the two shieldplates connected by the first 904, 1004 and the second hinge assembly905, 1005, respectively, wherein the adjacent tong sides have ageometric shape such that at least one of the joint gaps 926, 927, 1026,1027 extends in a step-like manner from its hinge joint on the outsidesurface 901 _(UT), 1001 _(UT) of the shield to the inside surface 901_(IN), 1001 _(IN) of the shield. Such step-like manner minimize the riskthat a projectile or a sharp object penetrates a joint gap independentof at what angle the projectile or object hits the outside of theshield.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 11A-11C, each of the spring-loaded hinge assemblies 1104: 1105comprises a plurality of first 1128′, 1128″, 1130′ and a plurality ofsecond 1129′, 1129″, 1131′, 1131″ pivot members pivotally connectedtogether by a respective hinge joint, wherein the first 1128′, 1128″,1130′ and second 1129′, 1129″, 1131′, 1131″ pivot members are integratedparts of the adjacent long sides of the two shield plates 1101, 1102,1102, 1103 connected together by the respective hinge joint. In such anembodiment it is advantageous that at least some of the first 1128′,1128″, 1130′ and second pivot members 1129′, 1129″, 1131′, 1131″,respectively, are arranged alternately along and at least partiallysurrounding the circumference of a pivot pin being part of therespective hinge joint. The pivot pin may, in such an embodiment,consist of any suitable material, for example metal or plastics.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A-C each of the first and thesecond pivot members, respectively, projects from an edge of a long sideof its respective shield plate, wherein said edge preferably is providedwith a chamfer 1132, 1133 (see FIGS. 11B and 11C) so as to providesufficient clearance for pivoting the pivot members 1128′, 1128″, 1130′of one shield plate 1101, 1103 relative to the pivot members 1129′,1129″, 1131′, 1131″ of another shield plate 1102 when folding andunfolding the shield 1100.

The pivot members 1128′, 1128″, 1129′, 1129″, 1131′, 1131″, 1130′ areparticularly advantageously cast or moulded in one piece with theirrespective shield plate 1101, 1102, 1103 in one and the same casting ormoulding process, so that the pivot members and the shield plate consistof one and the same material. The material in the shield plate and itspivot members can be any of the previously mentioned materials which aresuitable for hinges and shield plates, provided that the material issuitable for simultaneous casting or forming of a shield plate and itsassociated pivot members, but embodiments are conceivable where thematerial in the shield plate and its associated pivot members compriseother materials, for example embodiments where the material in theshield plate and its associated pivot members consists of an alloy,thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics or composite materials, orconsist of a material comprising graphene. By integration of the pivotalmembers comprised in the hinge assemblies in the shield plates asdescribed above and shown in FIGS. 11A-C the number of components in theshield can be reduced so the manufacture and assembly of the shieldbecomes easier and consequently cheaper. Such a design will additionallygive good basis for further reduction of the weight.

1. A foldable shield, reconfigurable from an unfolded use position to afolded transport position and vice versa, comprising: a first, a secondand a third shield plate, each of which has an elongated shape, aninside surface, an outside surface, a first long side, a second longside, a first short side and a second short side, a first spring-loadedhinge assembly connecting the second long side of the first shield plateto the first long side of the second shield plate, a secondspring-loaded hinge assembly connecting the second long side of thesecond shield plate to the first long side of the third shield plate,wherein said first and second spring-loaded hinge assemblies arearranged so that the shield can be reconfigured from the unfolded useposition to the folded transport position by folding the first shieldplate with its outside surface against the outside surface of the secondshield plate and by subsequently folding the third shield plate with itsoutside surface against the inside surface of the already folded firstshield plate. handles disposed on the inside surface of the secondshield plate for securing the shield to a forearm of a user when in use,a release device placed within reach of the user from said handles andadapted, when actuated by the user, to release first and secondcooperating locks that are adapted to keep the shield plates foldedagainst each other in the folded transport position, against springforce from said first and second spring-loaded hinge assemblies, whereinsaid spring force upon release of the locks brings the shield platesfrom the folded transport position to the unfolded use position, whereinthe first shield plate is designed with a maximum width between its longsides that is smaller than a corresponding width of the second and ofthe third shield plates, respectively, so that a sufficient clearancefor folding the third shield plate against the first shield plate isprovided so as to allow the shield plates to be brought to rest on topof each other in the form of a substantially flat package in the foldedtransport position.
 2. The foldable shield according to claim 1, whereinthe maximum width of the first shield plate is no more than 90% of thecorresponding width of the second and of the third shield plates,respectively.
 3. The foldable shield according to claim 1, wherein thefirst and second spring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise arespective hinge joint, wherein the hinge joint of the firstspring-loaded hinge assembly has an outer diameter that is smaller thanthe corresponding outer diameter of the hinge joint of the secondspring-loaded hinge assembly.
 4. The foldable shield according to claim1, wherein the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits jointgaps formed between adjacent long sides of the two shield platesconnected by the first and the second hinge assembly assemblies,respectively, and wherein the two spring-loaded hinge assemblies coveropenings of the two joint gaps on the outside surface of the shield. 5.The foldable shield according to claim 4, further comprising aprotective plate, mounted on the inside surface of the shield, whichcovers the openings of the two joint gaps on the inside surface of theshield.
 6. The foldable shield according to claim 1, further comprisingframe members, into which the respective shield plates are inserted andfixed in place, wherein said first and second spring-loaded hingeassemblies connect the shield plates via said frame members.
 7. Thefoldable shield according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondspring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint,wherein the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits jointgaps formed between adjacent long sides of the two shield platesconnected by the first and the second hinge assembly assemblies,respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric shapesuch that each joint gap extends from an opening directly under itsrespective hinge joint on the outside surface of the shield to a secondopening, displaced laterally relative to the hinge joint, on the insidesurface of the shield.
 8. The foldable shield according to claim 1,wherein each of the first and second spring-loaded hinge assemblies eachcomprise a respective hinge joint, wherein the shield, when in theunfolded use position, exhibits joint gaps formed between adjacent longsides of the two shield plates connected by the first and the secondhinge assemblies, respectively, wherein the adjacent long sides have ageometric shape such that at least one of the joint gaps extendsobliquely inwards or outwards from its hinge joint on the outsidesurface of the shield to the inside surface of the shield.
 9. Thefoldable shield according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondspring-loaded hinge assemblies each comprise a respective hinge joint,wherein the shield, when in the unfolded use position, exhibits jointgaps formed between adjacent long sides of the two shield platesconnected by the first and the second hinge assemblies, respectively,wherein the adjacent long sides have a geometric shape such that atleast one of the joint gaps extends in a step-like manner from its hingejoint on the outside surface of the shield to the inside surface of theshield.
 10. The foldable shield according to claim 1, wherein each ofthe first and second spring-loaded hinge assemblies comprises a pair offirst and second fixing plates articulately connected together by arespective hinge joint, wherein the first fixing plate of the secondhinge assembly is fixed to the second shield plate, whereas its secondfixing plate is fixed to the third shield plate, wherein the firstfixing plate of the second hinge assembly exhibits a cutout adapted tothe outline of the first shield plate so as to allow accommodation of atleast a portion of the outline of the first shield plate into the cutoutin the first fixing plate of the second hinge assembly when folding thefirst shield plate with its outside surface against the outside surfaceof the second shield plate, and wherein the second fixing plate of thesecond hinge assembly also exhibits a cutout adapted to the outline ofthe first shield plate so as to allow accommodation of at least aportion of the outline of the first shield plate into the cutout in thesecond fixing plate of the second hinge assembly when subsequentlyfolding the third shield plate with its outside surface against theinside surface of the already folded first shield plate.
 11. Thefoldable shield according to claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond spring-loaded hinge assemblies comprises a plurality of first anda plurality of second pivot members pivotally connected together by arespective hinge joint, wherein the first and second pivot members areintegrated parts of the adjacent long sides of the two shield platesconnected together by the respective hinge joint.
 12. The foldableshield according to claim 11, wherein at least some of the first andsecond pivot members, respectively, are arranged alternately along andat least partially surrounding the circumference of a pivot pin beingpart of the respective hinge joint.
 13. The foldable shield according toclaim 11, wherein each of the first and the second pivot members,respectively, projects from an edge of a long side of its respectiveshield plate, wherein said edge is provided with a chamfer so as toprovide sufficient clearance for pivoting the pivot members of oneshield plate relative to the pivot members of another shield plate whenfolding and unfolding the shield.
 14. The foldable shield according toclaim 11, wherein said pivot members are cast or moulded in one piecewith their respective shield plate in one and the same casting ormoulding process, so that the pivot members and the shield plate consistof one and the same material.